Editor’s Note: National Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist Week is January 22-28. To celebrate, the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology is featuring the unique personal and professional stories of various CRNAs in the department.
Nurse anesthetist Leslie Bonnet’s career path differs from many others in the health care field. She didn’t follow anyone’s footsteps, nor did she experience a calling at a young age. Her early jobs included work as a zookeeper, a fraud agent for a payment platform and food service. She managed a dog kennel at a veterinary practice, as well.
Her career in nursing began when a close friend encouraged her to apply to an accelerated bachelor’s nursing program when she was searching for a more inspiring career path.
“I’m so glad I caved to peer pressure,” Bonnet said. “I found my calling after all.”
After completing nursing school, Bonnet worked in the surgical/neuro/trauma ICU at the University of Iowa for four years. She said she loved the fast-paced intensity of that unit and thrived in a place where she felt like she was learning something new every day. She found purpose in caring for complex patients and enjoyed working with an interdisciplinary team.
“A couple of my coworkers and friends entered CRNA programs,” Bonnet said. “Talking to them and researching opportunities with advanced nursing degrees led me to decide that anesthesia was where I wanted to be as well.”
Bonnet chose to come to UNMC for a variety of reasons. But she especially appreciates the autonomy of the practice environment and the team she collaborates with daily.
“I love Omaha and think it has a lot to offer for a city of its size, and I’m still close to my family,” Bonnet said. “I also appreciate the variety of cases and the patient acuity at a university medical center. My education and daily practice allow me to use a variety of clinical skills, collaborate with the surgical team and develop a rapport with my patients that brings them peace of mind.”
One thing she shares with her colleagues is a passion for caring for patients and pride as a CRNA.
“My greatest joy is hearing a ‘thank you’ at the end of a case. Knowing that I have provided comfort to my patients, whether they are having a small procedure or are in the middle of a fight for their lives, makes me proud to be in this profession,” Bonnet said. “I love what I do every day and strive to treat every patient like they are family.”
Bonnet also loves teaching, which she said can be both challenging and rewarding at an academic medical center.
“Successful educators spark excitement in students, and I try my best to encourage rather than intimidate the learners who follow me,” Bonnet said. “I routinely mentor students in clinical rotations through quizzing, hands-on guidance and a little bit of sarcastic humor.”
Bonnet suggests talking with and shadowing CRNAs in various practice environments for those interested in pursuing a career as a CRNA.
“If the clinical skills and lifelong learning are what you are looking for, go for it. It is one of the best careers someone can have.” Bonnet said.
Bonnet also serves on the Nebraska Association of Nurse Anesthetists board and has completed two medical mission trips to Haiti, which she said were life changing.
“Medical mission trips made me appreciate everything I have, professionally and personally,” Bonnet said. “I learned to do more with less and to think quickly on my feet. My compassion grew exponentially, and it made me more cognizant of the blessings I have in my life. Those trips left me in awe of the human spirit and what can be accomplished when a few people set their minds to something positive.”
When she’s not at work, Bonnet enjoys taking road trips visiting vintage Americana sites and national parks, entertaining family and friends on her patio or off-roading with her local jeep club.